Low-cost supermarket Aldi, which operates about 920 stores across the UK, is set to introduce its first checkout-free store where customers will shop and exit without the need to pay at a till as reports on Monday (20) claimed that supermarket is trialing its first such store.
The trial site of the checkout-free store is in London though its details of the location is still not confirmed. The supermarket chain has 48 stores within the M25.
At Aldi's checkout-free trial site, shoppers will have to scan a smartphone app to enter the store and can then pick up their shopping and walk out the store, reports said, adding that technology in the stores will track the items picked up, before sending shoppers an email receipt and charging them automatically using their chosen payment method.
Aldi, the UK’s fifth-largest supermarket group, said that colleagues are currently testing the site and that further trials will be carried out by members of the public.
Giles Hurley, chief executive officer for Aldi UK and Ireland said: “We are always looking to redefine what it means to be a discount retailer, and the technology involved in this trial will give us a wealth of learnings.
“We are really excited to be testing this concept that will enable customers to pick from our range of quality products, all available at unbeatable prices, then leave the store without having to pay at a till.”
The trial comes after Amazon this year opened six Amazon Fresh convenience stores in London that offer ‘just walk out shopping’.
Monday’s announcement follows Aldi’s launch of click and collect services last year, which has now been expanded to over 200 stores across the UK.
Brian McLister
